Paula Deen, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008, looks and feels better than ever after her 40-pound weight loss on a low-carb diet.

Deen lost 40 pounds by making small changes to her diet and exercise regimen, Examiner reported. “I went home to my kitchen and I threw out everything that was white: White bread, white rice, white potatoes, white pasta,” said Paula.

The former couch potato also walked on her treadmill every day and slimmed down from a size 18 to a 12. Now that she’s in weight loss maintenance mode, Paula is less strict with her diet, but still limit carbs, sugar and tries not to overeat.